Chapter 69 A Gentleman is Honest
Zhong Min didn't ask Xi'er to do anything difficult or against her conscience. On the contrary, it was a very beneficial thing for Xi'er. Therefore, after hearing Zhong Min's arrangement, she happily agreed without any hesitation or worry.
Xier's efficiency was also quite remarkable. Not only was she fast, but the effect was also very obvious. In less than half a day, except for Zheng Ruyu, almost all the women in the back garden of Prince Mu's mansion knew what Zhong Min and Concubine Liu had secretly talked about. What's more interesting is that Xier really made these women know everything, but no one said a word about it. Instead, they waited and watched to see whether what Zhong Min said was true or false.
Soon, Zhong Min's words were confirmed by ironclad facts. That night, Xiao Mingzheng went to stay at Concubine Liu's house, and he did so for the next two days. He also gave Concubine Liu a lot of treasures and allowed her to return home to celebrate her mother's birthday in the near future.
For a moment, Concubine Liu's fame instantly overshadowed Zheng Ruyu. In addition to envy, jealousy and hatred, everyone set their sights on Zhong Min, unwilling to be left behind and tried to bribe and win her over, hoping to get more inside information through her. Of course, the more important thing was to gain some opportunities to attract the prince's attention.
Zhong Min had reaped a lot of rewards over the past few days, not only successfully diverting everyone's attention but also secretly collecting a considerable amount of money. With the exception of Zheng Ruyu, almost all of Xiao Mingzheng's concubines had secretly sent money to her, though the amounts varied. Liu was particularly generous. Of course, by comparison, Liu was naturally the wealthiest and most deserving of recognition.
Zhong Min naturally understood the intentions of these people. They simply wanted to win her over and use her as the prince's spy. As for the money, she would naturally accept it. As for the other things, that was another matter. Anyway, she said nothing and made no promises.
After getting the benefits, she naturally did not forget to share some with Xier. After taking the fifty taels of silver, Xier willingly stood in Zhong Min's camp and declared that if she could be of use in the future, she would just ask.
Although Zheng Ruyu was extremely angry and gritted her teeth in hatred, she had no way to deal with Liu, who was currently in the limelight. As for Zhong Min, she could not find any opportunity to vent her anger, so she had to endure it temporarily.
As a result, no one in the entire Mu Palace dared to cause trouble for Zhong Min, and her life became more and more prosperous and comfortable.
Today, in the small courtyard, Zhong Min gave the guards one last collective lesson. After that, this professional team would no longer need her personal face-to-face guidance. She would just need to watch them gain more experience, help them accumulate experience, and let them reach true maturity, and then she would be done.
As for Xie Feng, she will also continue to help him achieve the qualities and abilities that a comprehensive controller should have through practice. When all these are accomplished, she can retire and live a free and easy life.
After the lecture, one of the guards suggested a match of arm wrestling with Zhong Min. During their previous trip to Lin County, they discovered that Zhong Min had bruised the young assassin's wrist. They were impressed by Zhong Min's strength at the time, and many wanted to test the young man's strength, but they hadn't found the opportunity.
Now that her last class had concluded, if they didn't have another competition, they might not have another chance to verify their abilities. Although Zhong Min was a girl, everyone had gotten to know her better over the past few days. They were just being honest with each other in their arm wrestling competition, so they probably wouldn't think they had any ulterior motives or were trying to take advantage of her.
Upon hearing this, Zhong Min, without a trace of displeasure, readily agreed. She had always been straightforward, like a boy, and having trained regularly with the guards, they had become close friends and gotten along well, so there was no reason for her to refuse.
When the guards saw this, they were all excited and immediately gathered together, vying to compete with Zhong Min who was sitting next to the coffee table.
"Why are you so anxious, you bastards from the county? You're laughing so hard now, but if you lose later, you'll see where you'll put your faces!" Xie Feng cursed while laughing, "First, explain how we're going to compete. Are you going to let my sister compete with all of you alone? That would be too embarrassing for us men, wouldn't it?"
Everyone immediately thought it made sense. They couldn't just take turns. Not to mention Zhong Min was a woman, even if she were a man, she'd only be alone. Constantly wasting energy like that would be disgraceful even if they won. For a moment, everyone discussed the matter, but everyone had their own opinions, and for a while, no one could agree on a solution.
"What are you arguing about? A bunch of people are surrounding a girl. What are you doing?"
Just as everyone was arguing heatedly, Luo Jiaxing's voice, slightly scolding, suddenly came from outside the crowd. Everyone hurriedly stopped and looked back, only to find that it was Xiao Mingzheng and Luo Jiaxing approaching.
"Your Highness, your subordinate is here to see you!" They hurriedly made way and saluted quickly. The atmosphere changed drastically in an instant, and even the smiles on their faces disappeared without a trace.
"No need to be polite!" Xiao Mingzheng said nothing more and walked directly to the coffee table. Seeing this, Zhong Min immediately stood up and offered her seat. Xiao Mingzheng took it for granted and sat down calmly.
In just a short while, Xie Feng had already quickly gone over and directed the guards to line up and wait for the prince's signal.
"Zhong Min, what are you doing?" Luo Jiaxing continued with the previous question, but this time he stared directly at Zhong Min, motioning her to answer.
Seeing Xiao Mingzheng also looking at him, Zhong Min quickly explained with a smile, "Nothing, it's just that the brothers wanted to compete with me in arm wrestling, and now the prince and you are here."
"Arm wrestling?" Luo Jiaxing frowned when he heard this and said, "You're a girl, why are you arm wrestling with these grown men? There's a difference between men and women, don't you know?"
Zhong Min heard this and spread his hands nonchalantly, saying, "It's nothing, just a competition. I didn't do anything shameful."
"You..." Luo Jiaxing's face suddenly turned dark when he saw Zhong Min's indifferent attitude. He was about to scold her, but he was interrupted by Xiao Mingzheng unexpectedly.
"How to compare?" Xiao Mingzheng had a calm face. He had different ideas from Luo Jiaxing. In his opinion, it was normal for Zhong Min to be so generous and frank. It showed that she didn't have any other impure thoughts in her mind at all. It was just that in her concept, the separation between men and women was not so deliberate and strict.
Hearing Xiao Mingzheng's words, Luo Jiaxing had no choice but to stop talking. Seeing this, Zhong Min couldn't help but smile at Xiao Mingzheng, and then said, "They have been arguing for a long time, but they haven't found a method that everyone thinks is fair and just. Why don't you help me come up with some ideas, Your Highness?"
After hearing this, Xiao Mingzheng thought for a moment, then looked at the guards and said, "Pick three of yourselves to compete with her for three rounds. Whoever wins two rounds will be the winner, and the other party will lose. The winner will be rewarded by me."
Upon hearing this, everyone praised the prince for his wisdom. When the guards heard about the reward, their eyes lit up, and they were incredibly excited. Only Zhong Min was the most sober. While the guards were discussing their choices, he whispered to Xiao Mingzheng, "Prince, what are you planning to reward?"
Xiao Mingzheng glanced at Zhong Min but didn't answer. However, Luo Jiaxing, standing beside him, finally couldn't help himself and said to Zhong Min in a bad mood, "Don't you believe what the prince said? You'll know what the reward is after it's over."
"Why are you so angry? Who has offended you?" Zhong Min saw Luo Jiaxing's stern face and couldn't help but jokingly said, "General Luo, did you not wake up from your nap today?"
This time, Luo Jiaxing did not respond to Zhong Min's words. He snorted in dissatisfaction, then turned his head and simply ignored her.
Seeing this, Zhong Min shook his head innocently, and then said no more, turning to walk towards the guards.
"Brothers, have you discussed everything?" She looked relaxed as she reached out to pull up her sleeves, then put her hands on her hips, as if she was going to show them some power.
Unexpectedly, the courtyard suddenly fell silent, everyone's eyes fixed on her two arms, half exposed, as white and tender as lotus roots. Although Zhong Min and them were usually friendly and friendly, and no one had any inappropriate thoughts, seeing such a cool and attractive scene, they couldn't help but let their imaginations run wild.
Seeing this, Zhong Min realized that everyone's eyes were fixed on the two arms he had unconsciously exposed. He suddenly realized that he had almost forgotten what kind of society he was in. Judging by the level of openness and acceptance between men and women in this era, he probably was already in a state of adultery in modern society.
But it would be too late to restore the original state immediately at this time, because everyone has already seen it, and no matter how to make up for it, it has become a fact. Moreover, it is more likely to be misunderstood, which will undoubtedly give yourself another chance to embarrass yourself.
Thinking of this, Zhong Min simply raised his head and pointed at the group of guards, scolding them in a deep voice: "What are you looking at? Have you ever seen an arm? A gentleman is open and honest, while a villain is always worried. With your limited knowledge and courage, how can you achieve anything great with such little potential? In my opinion, you'd better go home early to your wives and children!"
When everyone heard this, they were immediately ashamed of what Zhong Min said. Not only did they feel embarrassed to look at him anymore, but they also admired Zhong Min's openness, generosity and gentlemanly demeanor.
They all immediately became serious, saying that the teacher was right, and began to concentrate on preparing for the competition. The awkward atmosphere was swept away in an instant.
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